First Nest
 
 Petruchio brought in a fish for supper.
 
 
 
Kate watches as Petruchio heads upwards with his fish.
 
 
He watched Kate feed the chick(s) – I still don’t know how many chicks.
 
 
The chick is still small so I added an arrow.
 
 
H&G Nest
 
Godiva is still incubating.  Her egg(s) should hatch in about 9 days.
 

1) Petruchio came flying in, talons full of nesting material – a fair sized load.


2) 8 minutes later, Kate arrived with her talons also full of nesting material – a rather large load. Petruchio is capable of carrying large limbs and often does – but it is Kate that makes the large cargo runs of wet heavy nesting materials.
Notice too her large neck compared to her mate’s. She is overall about 30% bigger than Petruchio – this is true of all eagles.


3) There was a difference too in the final approach to the nest.
First, here is Petruchio. He easily lifts the materials high up over the rim of the nest in his approach to the nest.
4) Then here is Kate. She is going to barely make it over the rim with her heavier load.
Sorry about the “fading” on the left of this photo: I was shooting in a hurry through tree limbs and pine needles.

First Nest   CHICK!!!!!
 
first photo: see if you can find the chick: look for a white fuzz ball with 2 black eyes …
and if you have trouble, go to second photo
 
Chicks at this age are white going to grey, have bright black eyes, and bobble because they have trouble holding their heads up.
It didn’t help me that the wind was blowing at 14 mph and the sky was totally overcast,
it was drizzling rain and all was dull grey so I hope the photos are ok.
 
 
The osprey has returned!! and at least 3 weeks early.  I usually see them start to arrive about March 3.
While watching the eagle chick, I heard the osprey before I saw him.
I thought I was hearing things in anticipation of warmer weather, and there came the osprey around the shoreline.
 
 
 

First Nest
 
HATCHED!!!
I don’t know yet how many and we won’t know until the chicks are big enough to peek over the edge.
 
Kate looking interested in what is going on in the nest.
 
 
Petruchio bringing fresh bedding for the nest while Kate watches his approach as she keeps the chick(s) warm.
 
 
 
H&G NEST
 
Godiva is incubating egg(s).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The 2 year-old bald eagle came sauntering into the cove.
 Looked up.  Knew he was in trouble.
Petruchio, the father eagle, was going to make sure the eaglet didn’t get close to the nest.
Petruchio opts to fool the 2 year old and overflies it and lets the juvenile think it is now chasing the adult.
Watch the youngster’s face as Petruchio (out of our sight) swaps ends and chases the intruder from the cove.